Wooden Figure

This is a wooden carving of kelei player. The kelei is a percussion instrument also known as kilii (Mende), n kali (Limba), keina (Loko) and more generically as a slit-log drum. It is made from a hollow log, cane or piece of bamboo, with lengthwise slits. There is much variety in size and detail. It is played with two wooden beaters. The player varies the pitch and tone of the instrument by hitting it in the middle or nearer the ends, on either side of the slits and inbetween the slits. The figure was carved by the well-known contemporary Sierra Leonean artist, Marco, and acquired by the Museum in 1979.

Further Information

  • Type: Figures, sculpture
  • Object: Wooden Figure
  • Materials: Wood
  • Culture Group: Other
  • Dimensions: 660mm
  • Production Date: 1979
  • Associated Places: Moyamba
  • Associated People: S.S. Marco (Carver)
  • Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
  • Accession Number: SLNM.1981.01.03

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